Return of a Favorite

Riding through my favorite attraction last night, my doombuggy stopped just as I entered the attic scene. Fortunately for me, I had my camera ready. It looks like a favorite from the past has returned. When Tony Baxter was attempted to be reached for a comment by the media, they were told that he was busy looking for the maintenance list from when the attraction first opened and couldn't be disturbed.

See more vintage & current Disneyland Haunted Mansion attraction photos on my Haunted Mansion web page.

Disneyland Halloween Trip Report

Halloween was in full swing this week at Disneyland...and so was the rain. Still, being a glass half-full kinda’ guy, I didn’t let it “dampen” my spirits (ba-dum-dum...ouch). Each year, the Halloween decor seems to get better—despite the fact that the Christmas crap is already edging its way in.



Recently, a number of new posters have graced the entrance tunnels; Mr. Toad is a particular favorite, as it does a good job of capturing the essence of the original silk-screened beauties.



Inside the Disney Gallery, feel free to slobber over Kevin Kidney’s latest collectible: a perfectly detailed replicas of the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant & Walt’s Car:





Music greeted us as we strolled down Main Street:



Inside the Penny Arcade, I took a few photos of the Orchestron that I featured in a vintage shot the other day. Nice to see the descriptive signage.





We were on a mission though; we hadn’t eaten since breakfast and it was already close to 2pm...time for Plaza Inn Fried Chicken & Apple Pie! Thanks to the time and the rain, the place was practically deserted—I could pig out in peace!





To shake myself from a food coma, we waddled over to Buzz Lightyear:





As you can guess by the vacant look on my face, despite the fact that I was alone and two cars ahead of her, Stacy still skunked me. One of these days I’ll find the secret spot on Emperor Zurg.



The downpour began right about the time I went to check out the Rapunzel (oops, I mean Tangled) meet and greet area in Fantasyland. She managed to look stunning despite the rain; me...not so much.



I was feeling generous, so I actually appeased Stacy by going on small world; I am still attempting to remove its infernal theme song from my head.







It was even raining INSIDE the attraction!



Next up: A Grand Circle Tour! The train always provides a scenic respite from the elements.





Another great place to escape bad weather is The Tiki Room; I just can’t get enough of its timeless kitsch.



The Indiana Jones animatronic at the Gates of Doom sure looks a lot more like Harrison Ford than the other ones:



Circling around back to Halloween, the mist and lighting effects on the Rivers of America were magical:



Leota at The Mansion never looked lovelier:



Be sure not to miss these creepy little musicians in the portrait hallway:





New Orleans Square was alive with dance at Club Skellington (aka The French Market during). Insert cheesey DJ here:



These little things were all over the park and they truly freaked me out:



We caught the tail-end of the parade…



…and then found our viewing spot for the Halloween Fireworks Show which was worth the price of admission alone!









The castle sure looks purty at night:



I hope that was enough photos for all of you!

See more Disneyland Halloween photos at my main website.

Disneyland Hotel, 1957: Pt. 1 & Disneyana

Contrary to chat-room whining, Pirates are nothing new at Disneyland. Heck, even the Disneyland Hotel had a Pirate’s Den! Displaying my inner-geek, I am throwing in a close-up of the tram signage.



No superstitions here with this young lad; he had no problems at all staying in building #7.



In a little cross-blog-promotion, be sure to check out Kevin Kidney’s entry on the Birthday Cake Room in Disneyana. I always look forward to his entries, as they have some of the rarest and coolest stuff around! In a semi-recent survey, Disneyana was voted as the favorite retail shop at Disneyland by Daveland Blog readers. With its mix of art & collectibles and some of the friendliest staff around, this is truly my favorite place to shop at Disneyland.









A recent shot of the Birthday Cake Room ceiling:



See more Disneyland Hotel photos at my website.

Disneyland August 1956: Color Restoration 5

The final post in my August 1956 is all about the Skyway. Image #1 shows the Tomorrowland Skyway Station, as well as the sign for the Autopia. My favorite part of the photo is the two dudes with the jaunty hats—how retro! Image #2 is back to the Phantom Boats, with the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Tent visible in the background. By this time, the Mouseketeers had left the tent and Professer Keller & his kitties had about a month to go. In the detail shot provided, you can also see the train at the Fantasyland Depot.





More jaunty hat action in this image, as well as a guest getting ready to pick her nose...shame on her! For signage and safety geeks, I have added a closeup of the Autopia warning sign:





At present day Disneyland, yesterday marked the 45th Anniversary of the Enchanted Tiki Room. Disney celebrated with a merchandise event that caused some devoted guests to wait over 4 hours in line for a chance to pick up some of the way cool collectibles that were available. The long wait was made shorter by conversing with Stuff From the Park’s Patrick & Carlene from Ape Pen Publishing. Patrick pointed out to me an unnoticed detail of the Omnibus. Both he and Carlene suggested I stand in front of the bus to get the best shot...while it was moving. People will do anything to get further up in the line.



Bob Gurr also showed up for the festivities, decked out in his Tiki Best.



Photo #2 shows the amazing artists Jody Daily & Kevin Kidney, the masterminds behind much of the 50th Anniversary collectibles that everyone swarmed to buy.



Naturally, after depleting my bank account for merchandise, I checked out the Tiki Room which provided a welcome air-conditioned respite from the heat.





See more vintage Skyway photos at my website.